Brand Names: Betapace AF, Sotalol Hydrochloride AF

Generic Name: sotalol AF (Pronunciation: SO tuh lol AF)

• What is sotalol AF (Betapace AF)?
• What are the possible side effects of sotalol AF (Betapace AF)?
• What is the most important information I should know about sotalol AF (Betapace AF)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sotalol AF (Betapace AF)?
• How should I take sotalol AF (Betapace AF)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Betapace AF)?
• What happens if I overdose (Betapace AF)?
• What should I avoid while taking sotalol AF (Betapace AF)?
• What other drugs will affect sotalol AF (Betapace AF)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is sotalol AF (Betapace AF)?

Sotalol AF is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Sotalol AF is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders of the atrium (the upper chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow into the heart). Sotalol AF is used in people with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

Another form of this medicine, called sotalol, is used to treat heart rhythm disorders of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart). Sotalol is used in people with ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Sotalol (Betapace and Sorine) is not used for the same conditions that sotalol AF (Betapace AF) is used for.

Sotalol AF may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Betapace AF 120 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with 120 mg, BERLEX

Betapace AF 160 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with 160 mg, BERLEX

Betapace AF 80 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with 80 mg, BERLEX

Sotalol AF 120 mg-APO

white, imprinted with APO, AF 120

Sotalol AF 80 mg-APO

white, imprinted with APO, AF80

What are the possible side effects of sotalol AF (Betapace AF)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• slow heartbeat;
• unusual sweating, increased thirst; or
• swelling, rapid weight gain.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;
• headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Betapace AF (sotalol hcl) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about sotalol AF (Betapace AF)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to sotalol AF, or if you have asthma, certain serious heart conditions, a history of "Long QT syndrome," severe kidney disease, low levels of potassium in your blood, or uncontrolled congestive heart failure.

Before taking sotalol AF, tell your doctor if you have breathing problems, a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure, diabetes, kidney disease, a thyroid disorder, an electrolyte imbalance, or if you have recently had a heart attack.

Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

You will receive your first few doses of sotalol AF in a hospital setting where your heart rhythm can be monitored, in case the medication causes serious side effects.

If there are any changes in the brand or strength of sotalol you use, your dosage needs may change. Betapace and Sorine are not used for the same conditions that Betapace AF is used for. Always check your medicine when it is refilled to make sure you have received the correct brand and type as prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine given to you at the pharmacy.

Do not skip doses or stop taking sotalol AF without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using sotalol AF. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.